By structurally analyzing the burial context of ironware that was consumed ostentatiously in tombs from the 2nd to 4th centuries, this article attempts to explain the production method, distribution and consumption network of the ironware, as well as ...
By structurally analyzing the burial context of ironware that was consumed ostentatiously in tombs from the 2nd to 4th centuries, this article attempts to explain the production method, distribution and consumption network of the ironware, as well as the spread of associated burial rituals led by Saro-guk. After the establishment of the Ceremonial Ironware Style, large quantities of ironware were produced rapidly; it spread in conjunction with Saro-guk’s unique burial ritual, which spearheaded the ostentatious consumption of ironware, thereby establishing a wide-area distribution network. On the other hand, from this point on, the raw materials for Dalcheon mine were stably obtained from within the Saro-guk area, as can be seen from the case of Hwangseong-dong site. It is inferred that the Hwangseong-dong site was operated using a systematic division of tasks that specialized in the melting process related to cast iron production in a short period of time. In the middle of the 3rd century, the large number of burial ironware types gradually simplified into difficult decorations to meet the broad demand of ironware both within and outside of Saro-guk. The iron production system also underwent innovative changes in the supply of iron, and the introduction of steel manufacturing technology allowed mass production of iron by breaking away from labor-intensive work processes, and led to effective reduction in transportation costs. The enlarged distribution and consumption network of iron was gradually transmitted to the southern part of the Korean Peninsula, beyond the territory of the Jinhan federation led by Saro-guk. From the middle of the 4th century, Silla’s ruling elite adopted gold burial goods and pottery styles as strategies for representation in tombs, and ironware lost its status as a major grave good. This study demonstrates how the mass consumption of ironware, organized by political power, had to adapt to new burial strategies and rapidly changing circumstances.